What is DVT and How do I Know if I Have It?

DVT or deep vein thrombosis means just what the name suggests. A blood clot in one of your deep veins. The most common location for the occurrence of DVT is in your lower legs, although it can occur in other parts of the body. If the clot becomes dislodged and begins to travel it is no longer known as a thrombus and becomes an embolus, which depending on where it travels, may lead to a life-threatening situation.

Risk Factors for DVT

DVT has multiple causes and multiple risk factors which include the following:

Family history of blood clots

Diabetes

Poor circulation resulting from peripheral vascular disease

Smoking

Sedentary Lifestyle and prolonged crossing of the legs

Frequent Flying

Varicose Veins

Any condition in which blood flow is restricted may cause blood to pool in the affected area and lead to clotting. Main complications from the clot include blocking the circulation below the affected area, leading to further swelling and potential infection of the vein, an increase in the size of the clot or formation of more clots in the area, and complete loss of circulation to the area. These complications may lead to the injury and death of tissues surrounding the area.

How do I know if I have DVT?

In some cases, there are no early symptoms of DVT. That is why it is important to know your risk factors and take measures to prevent DVT from occurring if you are at risk. The primary symptom of DVT is pain to the affected area, the pain is described as a deep pain. If the DVT is located in the calf, the pain is worse upon flexing the foot and lower leg upwards at the heel. This is known as a positive Homans sign. Your venous specialist or healthcare provider will actually perform this test upon examination. Other symptoms may also include swelling, numbness and tingling in surrounding areas, and discoloration. If the clot is in the lower leg, the leg may appear dusky or darker in color. Sometimes, skin ulcers may also occur. If the tissues surrounding the clot become infected, redness with or without streaking, may be present, and the area will become hot to the touch. You may even develop a fever.

Your doctor will take a full medical history to determine your risk factors and make an initial diagnosis of the condition. Tests will be ordered that allow for direct visualization of the clot, such as ultrasounds as well as determine the effect of the clot on circulation.

When should I call my doctor?

If you notice any of these symptoms, call your doctor or vein specialist right away. Do not massage the area and assume bedrest to reduce the possibility of dislodging the clot, causing it to possibly travel to the heart, lungs or brain. DVT is an emergent medical condition and should be treated right away to avoid potential life-threatening complications.